Loop Testing Techniques

Application note 49

Loop Testing 1, Changes in the load or switching on the supply

Loop testers are used to measure earth fault loop This can influence supply voltage during the test
impedance and determine prospective fault sequence.
currents. Initially loop testers used a high current
load to measure the voltage drop on the supply and 2, Supply harmonics
measure the source impedance. With the These can affect general performance. They are
introduction of RCDs on many circuits alternative less obvious than voltage changes.
methods of loop testing have been developed to
prevent tripping during a loop test. 3, Transformer proximity
Measurement close to the transformer will exhibit
The table below shows how different loop testing high reactance, but low resistance. This can
methods have different benefits; none of the test produce a lower displayed loop impedance than
techniques are perfect. All tests are performed on expected.
live circuits with a variety of protective devices
installed. Different test types are affected by these 4, RCD inductance
parameters in different ways and users should be Low test currents may not always saturate the
aware of how this may affect the results. Loads RCD measurement coil of some RCDs and
should be disconnected during a loop test in case RCBOs, presenting additional resistance in the
they interfere with the measurement. measured circuit.

5, Test leads
Test currents The contact resistance of test leads, particularly on
High loop test currents develop large signals that contaminated surfaces, and fused leads also add
are easier and more accurate to measure. They also additional resistance to the measurement.
can cause large touch voltages on the installation
under test that should be monitored to prevent In all cases it is recommended to make more than
danger. one measurement to check that any changes in load
Lower test currents are less likely to operate or switching on the supply have not interfered with
protection and touch voltages are reduced. the results.

Loop testing limits

The IET Guidance Note 3 says that circuits rated Safety and measurement standards
up to 50 A can be tested with a loop tester with a Testers must comply with EN61010 for safety and
resolution of 0.01 down to values of 0.2 Ohms. EN61557 for performance.
Values below this can be inaccurate and
alternative methods should be used to calculate
BS EN61557-3 requires manufacturers to
prospective fault current. declare a measurement range within which
the loop tester will achieve better than
The Electrical Safety Council Best Practice Guide 30% accuracy under worst case conditions
“Test instruments for Electrical Installations
Accuracy and Consistency” offers further
Guidance Note 3 “Inspection & Testing”
guidance. It suggests that low current tests below talks about basic measurement accuracy of
about 1Ω could be prone to significant errors. 5%. GN3 also states “The ‘Operating
Accuracy’ is always worse than the basic
accuracy”
Sources of error
Any loop test is measuring the small difference in Calibration checks
voltage between a loaded and un-loaded condition. Intermediate checks should be performed on test
The loop test can be susceptible to errors from; equipment to ensure they do not deviate from their
specification between calibration intervals. To
check loop testers a dedicated socket is
recommended. Check boxes are usually only able
to add resistance to the supply source impedance.
 Loop Testing
Techniques
Application note 49

Type of test Technique Advantages Disadvantages Notes

High current 2 x 23 A half Quick, accurate Trips RCDs when used Industry is
cycles measurements P-E & some 6 A tending towards
within 3 – 4 s MCBs lower test
Same test for P- currents
E and L-N tests
DC biasing High dc current Quick, Trips electronic RCDs Neutral
current to block RCD consistent Susceptible to supply connection
plus high current measurements offset voltages required for
test typically 23 Same test for P- power, but can
A E and L-N tests be connected to
earth
2-wire low Low current Will not trip any Slow, susceptible to
current 15 mA tests for up to 30 RCD >30 mA; noise and existing
s same as ½ x I earth leakage currents
no-trip RCD test
3-wire high/low High current L- Less susceptible Requires 3 wire Neutral not
current N, 15 mA L-E to noise connection always
up to 30 s RCD inductance can accessible
influence results
Supply must have N-E
connection so cannot
be used on 110 V
centre-tapped supplies

3-wire high/dc High current L- Faster than 2- Can be inaccurate on Neutral not
or low N, dc L-E for up wire test TT systems always
frequency AC to 30 s Supply must have N-E accessible
current connection so cannot
be used on 110 V
centre-tapped supplies

2 wire low Low energy test Repeatable May trips some RCDs
energy up to 30 s results, 2 wire or RCBOs,
connection Measurement accuracy
Less susceptible depends on system
to leakage characteristics
currents

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